We've all heard the predictions – warmer average temperatures, earlier and wetter springs, less snow. But exactly how will those climate change predictions affect the Upper Valley our grandkids experience? Certainly diminishing snowfall will affect the ski industry – but does snow represent other values for New Englanders? Scientists say it does, and one reason for that is something called albedo. Its literal meaning is whiteness, and it describes the complicated feedback loops involving reflected snow. Will our grandkids climb maple trees or will we learn to love birch syrup? How will our forests and land use change? Will spring still bring the sound of the wood thrush? Will the tomato-growing season get better?